The owner of an Alabama restaurant was killed and three others injured when a gunman stormed into the establishment Wednesday morning and opened fire.

Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor said the deadly shooting happened around 6.30am at City Grill in Hurtsboro, Alabama.

Taylor told reporters during a news conference that the suspect walked into the restaurant, yelled and then started firing a .22 caliber long rifle, Fox 19 reports.

Sheriff Heath Taylor is calling it a tragedy for the small town, saying the owner is a beloved member of the community who operated the City Grill Cafe along Main Street. The Hughes family opened the grill in 1954.

Four people were shot, including 69-year-old Donny Hughes, the owner of City Grill. Taylor said Hughes died from his injuries. The other three victims were hospitalized and are expected to recover.

The shooter has been identified as 64-year-old Walter Frank Thomas.

Police say he has a history of mental illness.

He will be charged with one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder in Hurtsboro shooting.

Tragedy in Hurtsboro: Mass shooting inside Hurtsboro diner kills the owner, 69-year-old Donnie Hughs and injures three more. Sheriff Heath Taylor is calling it a tragedy for the small town, saying the owner, Donnie Hughes is a beloved member of this community who operated the City Grill Cafe along Main Street. The Hughes family opened the grill in 1954.The shooter has a history of mental illness and was taken into custody at his home, nearby. The suspect’s name is not being released. Sheriff Taylor says the suspect doesn’t deserve to have any recognition at all.